Review of Marissa's Secret

[Okafor Prosper]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Marissa's Secret" by Dr. Roger Michael Weis.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Marissa's Secret by Roger Weis blends two stories set in different times, with one story following the story of Jesus in detail and including a few fictional characters, like Joanna Marissa Magdalene, the love of Jesus' life. We follow their stories as they grow, and Jesus awakens to his purpose as the son of God and suffers persecution, betrayal, and then crucifixion. At the same time, a historical artifact with inscriptions made by Mary is hidden and passed down for generations.

The other story is set in the late 1960s and revolves around Christopher Matthews, a young man who had to put his dreams on hold as he was thrust into the Vietnam War to serve the U.S. His anxiety and depression follow him well after he completes his assignment, and he embarks on a self-discovery journey, leading him to find God and his purpose. The same artifact is discovered and triggers mysteries surrounding its origin, significance, and authenticity. In a bid to secure this artifact that may prove the existence of Jesus' time on Earth, crimes are committed, and Christopher is right in the thick of things.

Several aspects of the overall story are intriguing, especially with the author exploring the story of Jesus and trying to put a spin on certain parts of his story, from the details of his family dynamics and his baptism to his relationship with Marissa. In his search for his purpose, Christopher's story raises a few thought-provoking questions around religion, with questions around the fate of people of other religions and if they can make heaven piquing my interest the most. Nevertheless, the two parts of the story are just like oil and water; they do not gel. What starts as the combined story of Jesus and Christopher's coming of age quickly turns into a search for a historical artifact that proves the existence of Jesus on Earth. Exploring Jesus' full story just to get to the existence of a historical artifact that would be searched for in another story was not necessary. It felt like the main story started in the last few chapters of the book.

Told from the first-person perspective, alternating between all the characters in the story, we get chances to peek into the minds of these characters and understand their influences, but it was quite confusing when some characters started to narrate other characters' stories, especially when they weren't present when what they narrated occurred.

Also, the mystery aspect of the story was poorly executed, especially with information falling into Christopher and his team's laps very easily while he suddenly had access to old friends in high positions that were never mentioned previously.

Overall, I did not enjoy reading this book, even though I liked some aspects of it. The book is titled after Marissa, but her whole story could have been scrapped, and the book would have been a much better read since she didn't add much to the story. Focusing on properly delivering Christopher's story and development through serving in the army, dealing with the consequences, growing in faith, and being involved in the mystery of the artifact may have made for an entertaining read. I rate this book two out of four stars, with its exceptional editing and the thought-provoking questions raised preventing me from awarding the lowest rating. Readers who enjoy historical fiction novels may enjoy some parts of this book.

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Marissa's Secret
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[MsH2k]

Wow. It sounds like this book has a lot going on. I will admit I’m not a fan of introducing a fictional love interest for Jesus. Thank you for your honest and thorough review.

[Hogwarts03]

This book sounds great in the aspect of the different story timelines, even though the main theme of ficticiously portraying religion might not be for everyone. Thanks for the informed review.

[Kanchan Bhil]

The idea of the story seems great! Maybe the execution of the idea wasn't done right. Thank you for your review!

[Amy Luman]

I don’t like the aspect of Jesus having a girlfriend. That’s definitely not Biblical. However, this is fiction and the author is entitled. I don’t think that I’ll be reading it.

[Muna Chizzy]

The story seems interesting adding to the different elements it portrays. Thanks for the great review.

[Priya_Singh]

The plot of the story seems good but it lacked execution. Also the fictional romance of Jesus, I guess it isn't for everybody.

Thank you for the great review

[Ramra]

Great review,i love what you did with the timeline.I'm not a religious guy or a Jesus fan but I think this one would make an excellent read

[asteel18]

Sounds like the start of a good story and maybe with some revisions could be a 4 star. I always enjoy reading your reviews, thanks.

[Eddy E]

Mixing two stories together is taking yet sheds more life. Although I don't support that mary was the love of Jesus' life. Good review though

[Tarie07]

I have never heard of Jesus having a girlfriend before. The idea of combining two stories together was great though. However, I don't think I'll be reading this book. Thanks for the review.

[Theana De lima Araujo]

Even only reading the first paragraph of your review, the storyline was all over the place. I think your idea for the novel would have made far more sense to focus on the character Christopher and his life and maybe occasionally jump into Jesus' life. The author also could have made it a 2 part series. I enjoyed reading your review. Have a lovely day.

[HerreroRagde]

Hi! Thanks for this review. It feels honest and is definitely very detailed. I believe the purpose of a good review is to state a summary and facts about the story, to share what the reviewer liked and what they didn't and, ultimately, to leave the door open for others to decide whether or not they would like to take a chance and read the book. You did all that. Kudos.